Experimental analysis of mating patterns in a clonal plant reveals contrasting modes of self-pollination

Ecology and Evolution
Yi HuWan-Jin Liao

Abstract

Hermaphrodite plants commonly practice self-fertilization (selfing), but the mechanisms responsible vary depending on the mode of self-pollination, pollinator behavior, and degree of clonality. Whether selfing occurs within (autogamy) or between flowers (geitonogamy) is of evolutionary significance because their fitness consequences differ. We used floral manipulations and genetic markers to determine the relative contribution of autogamy and within- versus between-ramet geitonogamy to the selfing rate of the bumblebee-pollinated, clonal herb Aconitum kusnezoffii. Data on flowering phenology and bumblebee foraging were also collected to determine opportunities for different modes of self-pollination. Autogamy accounted for only 12% of the selfing rate with the remainder resulting from geitonogamy. Whole-ramet emasculation of clones with multiple ramets reduced selfing by 78%, indicating that within-ramet geitonogamy contributed significantly (68%) to total selfing. Selfing of single-ramet plants was 44% less than multiple-ramet plants, indicating that the contribution of between-ramet geitonogamy was substantially less (20%) than within-ramet geitonogamy, probably because of bumblebee foraging behavior. Our results demonstrate ...Continue Reading

References

Mar 18, 2000·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·L D HarderW W Cole
Mar 22, 2002·Nature·Christopher R Herlihy, Christopher G Eckert
May 4, 2006·The American Naturalist·Crispin Y Jordan, Lawrence D Harder
Sep 3, 2008·Plant Biology·T AlbertA-L Jacquemart
Sep 1, 1993·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·T J de JongP G Klinkhamer
Feb 1, 1996·Trends in Ecology & Evolution·S C Barrett, L D Harder
Sep 1, 2004·American Journal of Botany·Matthew B RoutleyBrian C Husband
Sep 2, 2011·Annals of Botany·Jeffrey D Karron, Randall J Mitchell
Oct 18, 2014·The American Naturalist·Wan-Jin Liao, Lawrence D Harder
Jul 22, 2015·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Spencer C H Barrett
Jul 22, 2015·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Wendy E Van DrunenMarcel E Dorken
Jan 1, 1985·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Douglas W Schemske, Russell Lande
Jul 1, 1989·Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution·Donald M Waller, Susan E Knight

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 25, 2019·Plant Biology·M BartošJ Jersáková
Jun 28, 2016·Applications in Plant Sciences·Xing-Yue GeWan-Jin Liao
Nov 2, 2019·Ecology and Evolution·Genevieve L TheronBruce Anderson

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Methods Mentioned

BETA
electrophoresis

Software Mentioned

MLTR

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.